🐟 Arulius Barb (Dawkinsia arulius, formerly Puntius arulius)
Freshwater Active Schooling Barb • Peach-Gold Body With Blue-Green Shimmer • Fast, Greedy Swimmer — Best With Tank Mates of Similar Size
 
📋 The Arulius Barb, also called the Longfin Barb or Tambraparni Barb, is a fast-moving schooling barb from clear, well-oxygenated rivers in southern India. It has a peach-to-gold body that shimmers blue and green in the light, dark patches along the flank, and males develop a tall, elongated dorsal fin.
It is fairly peaceful for a barb, but it is fast and a greedy feeder. It can nip fins and unsettle slow or timid tank mates, especially in a group that is too small or a tank that is too cramped. Keep at least six, and more is better, with equally active fish of similar size.
A note on naming: the fish sold in the trade as the Arulius Barb is often identified as Dawkinsia tambraparniei (the Tambraparni Barb) rather than D. arulius from the Cauvery basin. The two are close relatives with the same care needs. D. arulius is listed as Endangered in the wild, and aquarium stock is generally commercially bred.
 
💡 Highlights
✨ Shimmering Torpedo Body: Peach-gold with blue-green iridescence and dark flank patches
⚪ Fairly Peaceful: Best with active fish of a similar size
📏 Up to 12cm: Bigger and faster than many community barbs
👥 Schooling Fish: At least six, and more is better
🌊 Loves Flow: Enjoys current, oxygen and open swimming space